Rotherham’s Probus Club is throwing open its doors to those ready to swap quiet mornings for good company, great conversations, and a calendar full of things to look forward to.
Talks that spark curiosity
From gripping local history to travel tales, science, music, and the hidden corners of South Yorkshire, the club’s weekly speaker sessions at Broom Methodist Church are a highlight for members who love learning something new. Just some of our planned meetings include:
- Do you know the Trade Union influence and impact on the people of Yorkshire following the 1926 strike?
- Ever pondered the politics of war and who gets the spoils?
- Do you know your local history regarding the rise and fall of the Fitzwilliam Dynasty?
- Ever wanted to know about the work of the Wildlife Trust and our fascination with nature?
- What is the Oberammergau Passion Play and why is it performed every 10 years since 1600?
- Could you solve a real “who dunnit” after hearing the evidence?
- What was so special about the 1953 murder of the Blackpool Widow?
Friendship at the heart of It
Members say the real magic isn’t just the talks — it’s the people. “Come once and you’ll feel at home,” said the club’s chairman. “We’re a friendly bunch, and there’s always someone to chat to.”
Open to all retired and semi‑retired residents
There’s no pressure, no formality — just a warm welcome and an invitation to try three meetings for free. “Joining Probus gave me purpose again,” said one long‑standing member. “It’s the best decision I made after retiring.”
Ready to join in?
If you’re retired or easing into retirement and want more connection, more conversation, and more to look forward to, Rotherham Probus Club is ready to welcome you. Need to know how it all works. Here is your guide:
Rotherham PROBUS meets most Tuesday mornings from 10.00am to 12.00pm at Broom Methodist Church, Stag Lane, Rotherham S60 3NE. Email secretary@rotherhamprobus.com or see https://rotherhamprobus.com/ for more details.
| Rotherham Probus Club – Speaker Programme 2026 | ||
| Date | Guest Speaker | Subject Title |
| 13/01/2026 | Tony Dodsworth | General Strike of 1926 in South Yorkshire
Trade Union influence and its effect on the people and the economy of the region. |
| 20/01/2026 | Paul Adey | Politics of War Part 1 – Treaty of Versailles (Part 2 to be presented on 8th September 2026)
What started it? Those for and those against, Divisions within the political parties. The spoils of war, who gets what? |
| 27/01/2026 | AGM | AGM 2026 Nominations for committee |
| 03/02/2026 | Pat McCloughlin | Wentworth the Village and Mansion
Rise and fall of the Fitzwilliam Dynasty |
| 10/02/2026 | Ben Keywood | Naturally Inclined
A look back in time of our fascination with nature and the formation of the Wildlife trust. An analysis of historical characters and their obsessions with nature. |
| 17/02/2026 | David Templeman | Ancient Suburbs of Sheffield Part 1
Some go back to the Doomsday book (1086). An insight into some of the household names of Sheffield, Attercliffe, Darnell Heeley and Crookes. |
| 03/03/2026 | Alan Kershaw | The Oberammergau Passion Play – performed every 10 years by the residents since the 1600’s |
| 10/03/2026 | Eric Farthing | The German occupation of the Channel Isles (Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney and Sark). |
| 19/03/2026 | Annual Lunch | TBC |
| 07/04/2026 | Philip Ashe | Anglo-Saxon Society / Alfred the Great |
| 14/04/2026 | Stuart Chapman | “Who Dunnit?” – You decide when you’ve heard the evidence? |
| 28/04/2026 | Dr. Ann Featherstone | Murder of the Blackpool Widow
In 1953 for 5 months over the summer, the newspapers were full of the mysterious death of a widow in the seaside town of Blackpool. |
| 05/05/2026 | Eric Jackson | Votes for Women
The debate and controversy |
| 12/05/2026 | Jean Hine | The life of Mary Ann Rawson.
Abolitionist and Campaigner with the Tract Society and the British Bible Society. |
| 19/05/2026 | Susan Kahler | VISIT Catcliffe Glass Cone – Grade I Listed Building Presentation followed by Tea & Cake |
| 02/06/2026 | Chris Freeman | “Water Aid”. Charity No. 288701
The story of bringing clean water to Nations that have no state water supply. |
| 09/06/2026 | Keith Lumley | Wisecracks and Cops
Some light hearted and embarrassing moments in law enforcement. |
| 23/06/2026 | Alice Rodgers | Water and Windmills |
| 30/06/2026 | Jennifer Rudd | Lady Mary Wortley Montague
English Aristocrat, Medical Pioneer, Writer and Poet. |
| 07/07/2026 | Tony Dodsworth | VISIT Thrybergh Church – Grade II Listed Building dating back from 1400’s |
| 14/07/2026 | Steve York | A bit of a bombshell in the shed! |
| Summer Break | ||
| 08/09/2026 | Paul Adey | Politics of War Pt. 2 (Part 1 presented on 20th January 2026)
Winners write the History and take the Spoils |
| 15/09/2026 | Anna Lou Pickering | Travels with a Wildlife Artist
Organising trips around the World, feeding baby Panda Bears, photographing wild Jaguars. |
| 29/09/2026 | Phil Cooper | Syria & Jordan
Palmyra ISIS destroyed many buildings and executed the Curator. |
| 06/10/2026 | Philip Ashe | Henry V and Agincourt
Agincourt and the art of Leadership when your backs up against it! |
| 20/10/2026 | Stephen Gaye | Woodhead – The lost railway |
| 27/10/2026 | Andy Wilson | Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks
African-American Woman whose cancer cells are the source of the Hela cell line, one of the most important cell lines in Medical research. |
| 10/11/2026 | David Wadkin MBE | A History of Printing
Regarded as one of the most important inventions of the past 1000 years |
| 17/11/2026 | Members | CLUB MORNING, COFFEE, CAKE & CHAT |
| Winter Break. Resume meetings January 2027 | ||